Delhiis the capital of India, and embodies the quintessential soul ofthe country. Since the early days, many dynasties and rulersflourished on its regal soil. The legacy of that past survives inthe many monuments left behind by the regents - each one a living testament of its glory.

Today, the city is a curious blend ofthe modern and the traditional. Skyscrapers, beautiful gardensand wide tree-lined avenues perpetuate the Mughal passion oflandscaping and architectural excellence. More importantly,however, Delhi blends within its folds the great cultural varietyof India, an unending range of activities, a million ways of saying - you are welcome.

J A N T A R M A N T A R

Locatedin the heart of Connaught place the Jantar Mantar is only one ofthe five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh II, the otherfour being located at Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain and Mathura. Theabstract structures within the Jantar Mantar are in fact instruments that were used for keeping track of celestial bodies. Jantar Mantar is not only a timekeeper of celestial bodies, it alsotells us a lot about the technological achievements under theRajput kings and their attempts to resolve the mysteries of theuniverse.

S A F D A R J U N G 'S T O M B

Builtin 1753-54, the tomb is the mausoleum of Safdarjang, the viceroyof Awadh, and was constructed under the Mughal Emperor,MohammedShah. It is renowned as the last enclosed garden tomb,similar tothat of Humayun, which is in the same tradition and style.Thetomb has many smaller pavilions that have attractive names.They include Badshah Pasand (King's Favourite), Moti Mahal (Palace of Pearls) and Jangli Mahal (Palace in the woods). The complex also has amadrasa where persons wishing to study the Quran and otherreligious practices of the Muslims could do so by learning from Muslim scholars.

Q U T A B M I N A R

QutubMinar is one of the most sought after tourist spots in Delhi.The structure is 72.5 metres high and one has to climb 379 stepsto get to the top. The diameter of the base is 14.3 metres whilethe top floor measures 2.7 metres in diameter. .The Minar was said to have been built to celebrate the victory of Mohammed Ghori, the invader from Afghanistan, over the Rajputs in 1192 and it was partly completed by his viceroy, Qutabuddin Aibak (1192 -98), the firstsultan of the Slave dynasty. The Qutab Minar stands just outsidethe central courtyard of Quwwatul Masjid and it was meant tofunction as a Minar so that the muezzin could call the faithfulto prayer and also as a symbol of the military might of the Turko-Afghan slave dynasty.

P U R A N A Q I L A

Itis believed that this place was Indraprastha, the capital cityof the Pandavas. Many of the present standing monuments though,were built during the period of Sher Shah Suri. The double-storied octagonal towered mosque is cited in history as the tower from where, Emperor Humayun accidentally fell to his death. The lake at thefoothills has boating facilities. There's a small archaeologicalmuseum just inside the main gate. There are good views of NewDelhi from atop the gate.

H U M A Y U N'S T O M B

Humayun'stomb is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahalof Agra. Begai Begum, wife of Emperor Humayun was buried here.The construction of the tomb took eight years to complete and thestructure is made of white marble and red sandstone. The squatbuilding, graced by high arched entrances topped by a bulbous dome is surrounded by formal gardens. The garden has other tombs includingthat of Humayun's barber and the Tomb of Isa Khan, the Architectof Taj Mahal.

F E R O Z E S H A H K O T L A

Theruins of Ferozabad, the 5th city of Delhi, erected by Feroz ShahTughlaq in 1354 can be found at Feroz Shah Kotla. Feroz Shah wasa great builder and so, this fifth city of Delhi was full ofsplendid palaces, mosques and gardens. Kotla was the inner citadel of Firozabad, built like Windsor, with great palaces and a magnificent mosque. One can still see the pyramidal structure topped by theAshokan Pillar brought from Topra, and the three-tiered baoli(stepwell).

R E D F O R T

Builtin red sand stone this imposing fort is 3 kms in perimeter withthe height of the wall varying from 18 to 30 meters at places.Shah Jahan started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. Before he could move his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad in Delhi, he was deposed and imprisoned in AgraFort by his son Aurangzeb. The fort boasts all the obvioustrappings, befitting a vital centre of Mughal government - hallsof public and private audience, plush private apartments, amosque, and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, the fortremains an impressive testimony to Mughal grandeur and entranceto the fort is through the imposing Lahore Gate, which as its name suggests faces Lahore, now in Pakistan. Red Fort has a special significance for India, since the first war of independence, and manyan important speech has been delivered from its ramparts.

J A M A M A S J I D

Locatedin the centre of the old city, this congregational mosque wasbuilt by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423. Made of yellow sandstone, itcombines the best of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture,standing on 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at varying elevations.The vast paved courtyard is a rectangle nearly seventyfive metresby sixty-six metres. The whole of the western chamber

I N D I A G A T E

Straightdown the road from Rashtrapati Bhavan is this landmark, a42-meter high arch War memorial built in memory of innumerablesoldiers who laid down their lives during the Afghan war and World Wars. A flame, Amar Jawan Jyoti, is kept perpetually alive here. India gate is located amidst lush green lawns and bears the nameof the 85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who died during the wars.Below the arch is the memorial to the Unknown Soldier.

R A S H T R A P A T H I B H A V A N

Thispalatial building built on an area of 330 acres designed by theillustrious Lutyens is now the official residence of thePresident of India. This architectural wonder is a mixture of Mughal and Western styles. Rashtrapati Bhawan is the highlight of LutyensNew Delhi and was completed in 1929. The palace has 340 rooms andan impressive garden called the Mughal Gardens, which is open tothe public for a short while in February when the flowers are infull bloom.

C H A N D N I C H O W K

Situatedopposite the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk is a market that hubs withactivity all through the year. Shahjahan's daughter,Jahanara,laid out the area where water in a pool reflected the moonlightgiving it the name of moonlight square or Chandini Chowk. It is acrowded place and normally there is a maze of traffic that onehas to negotiate almost every second. Here you can shop from everything under the sun from electronics to exquisite jewellery.

Delhiis gourmet's delight with cuisine from all corners of the worldavailable in the city's numerous restaurants and specialityoutlets. The international fare includes West Asian, Thai, Japanese, Italian and French cuisine. A wide range of Indian delicacies ranging from Mughlai, Tandoori to South Indian can also beenjoyed at the city's fast food chains.

Spendthe evening in the relaxed atmosphere of a swanky pub or bar.Usually open from 6 p.m-11 p.m, they serve drinks and snacks. Thediscos mostly allow couples, but on some nights of the week, entry is free for ladies.

Delhiis gourmet's delight with cuisine from all corners of the worldavailable in the city's numerous restaurants and specialityoutlets. The international fare includes West Asian, Thai, Japanese, Italian and French cuisine. A wide range of Indian delicacies ranging from Mughlai, Tandoori to South Indian can also beenjoyed at the city's fast food chains.

Agra is an excellent getaway from Delhi that leads you to discover the beauty of the Taj Mahal and enjoy afresh the various sights tosee in the city. Even if you've seen it all before, it's always apleasure to visit Agra again. And while you are there, check outthe majestic Agra Fort, Fatehpur-Sikri, Salim Chisti's Dargah(tomb) and Akbar's tomb at Sikandra.

J A I P U R

Distance from Delhi: 250 kms Driving Time: 4 hours

Jaipur is the quintessential land of colour, valour, legends andromance. At this time of the year, you can wallow in the brightsunshine, enjoy camel rides, picnic in the Ram Niwas Gardens andstroll through the magnificent Amber, Jaigarh and Nahargarhforts. And while in Jaipur, you can't but shop - for beautifulBandhni fabric,leather mojris, silver jewellery and lots more.

J I M C O R B E T T P A R K

Distance from Delhi: 294 kms Driving Time: 6 hours The Jim Corbett National Park is home to tigers, elephants and avariety of flora and fauna that make you forget your workplaceblues and help you unwind.. There are countless activities foryou to choose from: walking, trekking, cycling, camel safari,checking out the two museums or shopping for curios just outsidethe park gate

M U D F O R T

Distance from Delhi: 80 kms Driving Time: 2 hours

Barely 80 km from the hustle and bustle of New Delhi stands the MudFort of Kuchesar, which was built in the mid-18th century by theJat rulers. The fort has bravely withstood the onslaught of theMarathas, Sikhs, Rohillas, and Rajputs, as well as French andEast India Company. The fort was built with seven turrets so asto withstand the cannons of the British and nowaday's is apopulartourist attraction.

R A N T H A M B O R E N A T I O N A L P A R K

Distance from Delhi: 300 kms Driving Time: 5 hours

Situated in Eastern Rajasthan, the Ranthambhore National Park was oncethe hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Famous for itstigers, the park has a rich diversity of fauna and flora, whichincludes 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles and30 mammals. Apart from the tiger, at Ranthambore you also get achance to see the sambar, chital, nilgai, gazzelle, boars,mongoose,Indian hare, monitor lizards and a large number ofbirds.

R I S H I K E S H

Distance from Delhi: 230 kms

Driving Time: 3 hours

Rishikeshis a gateway to the Himalayan shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath,Gangotri and Yamunotri. From this point on, the great Gangesleaves behind her mountain home and enters the vast plains of Northern India. The Yoga Centres of Rishikesh are renowned the worldover and have enhanced the significance of the place tremendously.